Students swarm to Mantua for off-campus housing
Michael Stumpo
Issue date: 5/30/08 Section: News
"The rent out here is always rising because of the demand college students bring," McElroy said. "Back last June I barely saw any college students living in my apartment building. But over the year, especially now, a lot of new college-aged kids have moved in and former tenants aren't coming back."
Andrew Jenkins, a 49-year resident and community activist, said that Mantua residents sometimes fear the influx of Drexel students.
"The students have no conception of where they are and many do not give a damn. There have been fights, broken jaws. Once I counted over 200 people coming out of one house," Jenkins said. "Drexel kids are having bonfires in their yards, having barbeques on the roof - on the roof. They could burn down the whole row."
That is something Rick Young and the MCIC are addressing; they are focused on reaching an understanding with the university community and working together toward progress.
"You don't want to interfere with progress," Young said. "But you should instead get on and help steer."
According to Niki Gianakaris, a spokeswoman for the University, Drexel University has always felt that it has a stake in the local community and is continuing to partner with the MCIC.
For example, the Office of Government and Community Relations brought its "Celebrate Health" Fair to the West Philadelphia Community Center for the third time May 17. This annual event invites Mantua residents to attend for free health screenings, hot food, and family entertainment. With over 500 community residents attending, this year's health fair was a huge success.
The office is also assisting the MCIC with other community events, such as the Annual Family Day Festival in August. Although the MCIC sponsors the event, the Drexel community provides planning and advertising resources.
Gianakaris also said that Drexel's municipal Police Department, which is on track to have 29 sworn officers by the end of 2010, will work closely with the Philadelphia Police Department to safeguard residents living beyond Drexel's boundaries.
As the University and the MCIC continue to synergize, the future looks bright for both communities. After all, as the poster read, the grove is more than the sum of its parts.
Andrew Jenkins, a 49-year resident and community activist, said that Mantua residents sometimes fear the influx of Drexel students.
"The students have no conception of where they are and many do not give a damn. There have been fights, broken jaws. Once I counted over 200 people coming out of one house," Jenkins said. "Drexel kids are having bonfires in their yards, having barbeques on the roof - on the roof. They could burn down the whole row."
That is something Rick Young and the MCIC are addressing; they are focused on reaching an understanding with the university community and working together toward progress.
"You don't want to interfere with progress," Young said. "But you should instead get on and help steer."
According to Niki Gianakaris, a spokeswoman for the University, Drexel University has always felt that it has a stake in the local community and is continuing to partner with the MCIC.
For example, the Office of Government and Community Relations brought its "Celebrate Health" Fair to the West Philadelphia Community Center for the third time May 17. This annual event invites Mantua residents to attend for free health screenings, hot food, and family entertainment. With over 500 community residents attending, this year's health fair was a huge success.
The office is also assisting the MCIC with other community events, such as the Annual Family Day Festival in August. Although the MCIC sponsors the event, the Drexel community provides planning and advertising resources.
Gianakaris also said that Drexel's municipal Police Department, which is on track to have 29 sworn officers by the end of 2010, will work closely with the Philadelphia Police Department to safeguard residents living beyond Drexel's boundaries.
As the University and the MCIC continue to synergize, the future looks bright for both communities. After all, as the poster read, the grove is more than the sum of its parts.
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